YouTube is using AI to verify user age by browsing activity

YouTube will use AI to check if someone is age-appropriate.

The video platform announced that it’s rolling out technology that will determine whether a user is over or under 18. In a blog post today, YouTube said its AI will “interpret a variety of signals” in this determination, including the kinds of videos a user searches for, the categories of videos they watch, and the longevity of a user’s account.

“YouTube was one of the first platforms to offer experiences designed specifically for young people, and we’re proud to again be at the forefront of introducing technology that allows us to deliver safety protections while preserving teen privacy,” said the company.

If a user is found to be under 18, YouTube will “automatically” apply its age-appropriate protections, the company said. These protections will include turning on digital wellbeing tools, disabling personalized advertising, and adding safeguards to recommendations.

However, if the system incorrectly finds a user to be under 18, they’ll be able to verify their age by using a credit card or a government ID.

YouTube will start testing the AI system with a small set of U.S.-based users over the coming weeks.

The platform is a teen favorite. According to research by the Pew Research Center in 2023, one in five teenagers says they use YouTube and TikTok “almost constantly.” YouTube was found to be reigning amongst this age group — even surpassing TikTok — with 93 percent of teens saying they regularly use the service.